Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has made clear that the executive branch is not involved in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. In a press briefing at Malaca±ang, Marcos emphasized, "The executive cannot have a hand in the impeachment. Walang role ang executive sa impeachment (The executive does not have a role in the impeachment)."

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated that the House of Representatives and the Senate must address the impeachment complaints once they have been filed. "Once the impeachment complaints were filed, the House and the Senate, they have no choice. Nakatali na ang kamay nila (Their hands are tied). They have to do this and they have to do it in recognition of again the complaints that have been filed. So, iyon ang nangyari ngayon (that's what happened now)," he explained.

Marcos indicated he would consider calling a special session of Congress if the Senate requested it. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte, with 215 lawmakers endorsing the complaint to the Senate. However, the Senate adjourned without addressing the impeachment.

The President also commented on his son, Sandro Marcos, an Ilocos Norte representative, advising him to support the legislative process. "Sabi ko sa kanya, (I told him) 'the process has already begun. It's your duty now to support the process. So, do your duty.' That's what I told him. You are constitutionally mandated to support that process. You're a congressman so do your duty. I didn't know he'd be the first to sign," Marcos shared.

Despite the political developments, Marcos expressed confidence that they would not impact the country's economic progress. The Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President include accusations of conspiracy to assassinate the First Couple and the House Speaker, malversation of confidential funds, bribery and corruption during her tenure as Education chief, unexplained wealth, failure to disclose assets, involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City, and efforts of destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder.